Semiconductor junction device for monitoring radioactivity in a well logging sonde



Nov. 24,

Filed Feb.

J. T. DEWAN SEMICONDUCTOR JUNCTION DEVICE FOR MONITORING RADIOACTIVITY IN A WELL. LOGGING SONDE 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

United States Patent O A it all LGGSlNG SNBE .lohn T. Bewan, Houston, t

Well Surveying Cor eration, Houston, Tex., a corporation of 2 Claims.

This invention relates to systems for investigating earth formations traversed by a borehole and, more particularly, pertains to certain improvements in radioactivity logging apparatus of the type including a source of radiant energy adapted to be passed through the borehole and means for obtaining indications of resultant radiant energy caused by irradiation of the earth formations by the source and is a continuation-in-part of my copending application Serial No. 281,378, tiled April 9, i952, now US. atent No. 2,973,444, issued February 28, 1961, and assigned to the present assignee.

As described in that application, a source or radiant energ, specilically neutrons, suitable for use in a Well may comprise an ion source, an ion accelerator and a target that includes a substance adapted to react with bombarding ions of sufficient velocity to produce neutrons. rEhe source, accelerator and target are all contained within an envelope lilled with ionizable gas at a pressure such that the mean free path ot the ions is oi the order oi the spacing between the ion source and the target. In the preferred embodiment the ionirable gas is deuterium and the substance in the target is tritium. The gas pressure is chosen sui'iiciently high to provide an adequate number of ions with which to bombard the target and at the same time low enough to prevent the gas molecules from appreciably retarding the ion beam.

Earth formations have been logged heretofore using such a source of neutrons and a detector oi radiant energy resulting from irradiation or" the formations by neutrons. Since neutrons carry no electrical charge and are relatively highly penetrative, neutrons emitted from within the relatively confined space or a borehole cannot be readily influenced so as to permit the investigation ot a limited zone of the formations. Were this possible, borehole size eitects may be reduced, resolution of the measured parameter may be increased and the depth of investigation may be increased. ln my Patent No. 2,958,780, issued November l, i960, there are disclosed systems ernploying a monitoring detector providing signals in timed relation to the emission of neutrons generated by a suitable source, such as one oi the type described in the aforesaid application. Because of space limitations within an appropriate borehole instrument, however, it would be desirable to employ for this purpose a radiant energy detector of minimum dimensions as well as one requiring only a minimum of electrical circuitry for its effective operation. Similar considerations are applicable to the detector used for measuring radiation returning from beyond the wall or" the well.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide new and improved apparatus for investigating materials adjacent a well by irradiation with radiant energy for etectively examining properties of these otherwise inaccessible materials.

Another object of the present invention is to provide new and improved radioactivity well logging apparatus providinU indications substantially only in response to irradiation of a particular character emanating from formation regions of interest.

lt is a further object of the present invention to provide new and improved radiant energy detecting systems useful in attaining the foregoing objects.

In accordance with the present invention, the materials ICC traversed by a well bore are investigated by lowering therein a source o radiant energy of one type, preferably a source wherein quanta of such radiant energy are emitted in fixed time relation to emission `of quantum of radiant energy of another type. Radiant energy of the one type irradiates the earth Jiorn'iations to produce resultant radiant energy. indications are obtained substantially only in response to quanta vof the desired resultant radiant energy, for example, quanta having a predetermined timinG relation to individual quanta of radiant energy of the other type.

For such purposes, the present invention comprehends apparatus for investigating earth formations traversed by a borehole comprising a support adapted to be passed through the borehole. A source of radiant energy of one type is carried by the support and irradiates the earth formations to produce resultant radiant energy. Each quantum of radiant energy of the one type emitted by the source may be accompanied by the emission of a quantum of radiant energy of another type. Radiant energy responsive means carried by the support provides one signal in response to the resultant radiant energy and may also provide another signal in response to radiant energy or the other type. The apparatus further comprises means conpled to the radiant energy responsive means for utilizing the aforesaid signals to derive indications representing quanta of resultant radiant energy of prescribed character, for example, having a predetermined timing relation to individual quanta of radiant energy of the other type.

This invention further contemplates the use of a radiant energy detector comprising a semiconductor suitable for mounting in close proximity to or within the source oi radiant energy to provide signals in response to radiant energy ot the desired type.

The novel features of the present invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner yof operation, together With further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the tollowing description talren in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FlG. l is a View in longitudinal cross section of apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention for investigating earth formations (shown in section) traversed by a well bore;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged representation of a portion of the apparatus illustrated in FlG. l;

FlG. 3 is a View similar to that shown in FIG. 2, but illustrates a modification which may be made to the apparatus there shown;

PEG. 4 is an elevational view, partially in cross section, illustrating a modiiication which may be made to the apparatus shown in FlG. l;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged schematic representation of a modilicaiton of a portion of the apparatus illustrated in FlG. l; and

FIG. 6 is an elevational view, partly in longitudinal section, illustrating another embodiment of the invention.

As shown in FIG. l of the drawings, apparatus embodying the present invention comprises a pressure resistant housing lo adapted to pass through a borehole ll traversing earth formations 12. Borehole 11 usually contains hydrogenous drilling duid l5, such as a Water base or oil base mud, or it may be dry.

Housing lll is suspended in the borehole by means of :an armoured cable ldwhich, in connection with a winch (no-t shown) located at the surface of the earth, may be employed to lower and raise the housing in the borehole in a customary manner.

A source of electrical energy i5 at the surface of the earth is provided with an operating switch 16 and is connected by electrically insulated conductors 17 and 1S or s, 1 cavas cable 14 to power and control circuits l@ within housing 1t) operatively connected to a neutron source 2t? also supported within the housing.k Source Ztl may be constructed in any of a Variety or" ways, and, for example, may be similar to the devices disclosed in either of copending applications Serial No. 275,932, filed VMarch 1l, i952, in the name of Clark Goodman, or Serial No. 281,378, iiled April 9, 1952, in the name of l. T. Dewan, or of VPatent No. 2,9l4,677, granted November 24, $59,' to W. R. Arnold, deceased. In accordance with the Arnold patent, neutron source 2d comprises a sealed envelope 2l lled with an ionizable gas, such as an isotope of hydrogen known as deuterium. Envelope 2l encloses electrodes of an ion source 22 energized by power circuit l? and the envelope is encircled Vby a cylindrical magnet 23 operatively` associated with the electrodes. VDeuterium Y ions derived by source 22 pass intor an accelerating gap 24 energized by power circuit l@ and are thus accelerated towarda target 25 loaded or impacted with another isotope of hydrogen known as tritium. Thus, through the resulting nuclear reactions, neutrons at an energy of i4 million electron volts (tuev.) are derived. lf, however, neutrons at approximately 3.5 m.e.v. are desired, target 25 maybe provided with deuterium Vinstead of tritium.

VAs is well known, in the reaction between accelerated deuterium ions and tritium at target 25, for each fast neutron produced there is an alpha particle (llel nucleus) also produced. This particle recoils in the opposite direction to the direction of travel of the neutron.

YSome of these alpha particles are intercepted by one or Y and it is coupled to one input of a conventional coincidence circuit 29. v

Neutronsfrom source 29 irradiate earth formations 12 and may produce resultant radiant energy, for example, Vin the form of gamma rays as a result of inelastic scattering of fast neutrons or the capture of neutrons which have been slowed to low energies. Some of this gamma radiation impinges upon another radiant energy detector Sti supported Within housing lll at its lower end. DetectorV 3i) ma1 for example, be a conventional Geiger counter and it is coupled to ya pulse ampliiier 3l which feeds another input circuit of coincidence circuit` 29. The output circuit of coincidence circuit 29 is connected to an insulated conductor 32 of cable ld and to housing l@ which is connected to shield 33 of the cable. An integrator and recorder unit 34 located at the surface of the earth vis connected to conductor 32 and by appropriate groundsV to shield.k 33. Unit 3d may, for example, cornprise a capacitor for deriving` a potential representing the number of incoming pulses per unitY time and a recording Vvoltnieter toV which this potential is applied. The recording medium in the voltmeter is displaced Vin proportion to movement of housing 19 through the borehole l1 sov that a continuous log may be obtained in a customary manner. Y

The output of pulse amplifier 3l is supplied via an insulated conductor 35 of cable le and appropriate ground connections to Vanother portion of integrator and recorder unit 34, while the output of amplifier 27 is coupled via insulated conductor 36 and ground connections toV an integratorfindicator 37 at the surface of the earth.

In operation, housing l@ is passed through borehole ll with switch 16 closed and source Ztl is energized so that nuclear reactions are established in the borehole at target 25 to provide radiant energy of one type, namely neutrons. The emission of each quantum of such radiant energy, Le., each neutron, is accompanied by the emission of a quantum of radiant energy of another type. Specilicaliy, each neutron is accompanied by the emission' of an alpha particle traveling in the opposite direction.

entrons having trajectories in a vertical plane such as the ones designated A, B, C, D, and E (PG. 2) travel from target 25, pass through envelope 2lV and housing lli and enter earth formations l2. For each such neutron, a corresponding alpha particle passes along a respective one of opposite trajectories a, b, c, d, Yand e respectively colinear with A, B, C, D, and E.

As can be seen, valpha particles on these trajectories a, b, c, d, and e are incident on detector 2e. Neutrons in the vertical plane represented in 2, lying outside of the boundaries-designated by trajectories A and E, are accompanied by alpha particles which are not incident on detector 25. For example, a neutron along trajectory X has a corresponding alpha particle on path :cY

which does notV pass into the detector.V Obviously, assuming cylindrical symmetry of detector 26, the conditions depicted in lilG. 2 relative to a vertical plane are also representative of the occurrences in a horizontal plane through the upper surface of target 25.

A neutron leaving target 2S, for example along trajectory C, enters earth formations l2 and may be either inelastically scattered or slowed and captured to produce a gamma ray quantum. Such a quantum of gammaY radiation may impinge upon Vdetector El@ producing a pulse which after ann to coincidence circuit 29. At the same timel the neutron, just discussed, leaves target 25, an alpha particle on trajectory c passes into detector 2d and afcorrespondingly timed pulse is generated and fed to amplilier 27. After amplication, this pulse is applied to`time delay circuit 2S which is adjusted ,to provide apredetermined time delayV such that the delayed pulse enters Vcoincidence circuit 29 at the same time the pulse due tothe gamma ray quantum arrives. Under such a condition of coincidence, a pulse is supplied by circuit 2? to integrator and recorder unit 34 at the surface of the earth. Y

It is evident that since thecoincidence circuit supplied pulses only in response to coincidences of the type just described, the pulses lat lead 32 are representative of gamma ray quanta due to neutrons having trajectorieskv within the conical zone delined bythe trajectories A andV E in FIG. 2. From these pulses a voltage is derived having an amplitude representing the time of occurrence thereof and a'recording is made of this voltage in a continuous fashion as the housing l@ -f passes through the borehole. 1 j j Y lt is therefore evident that by accepting only coincident events, a log is obtained of the effects due to neutrons which have left target 25 in a direction opposite to the alpha detector 26. This is similar in elfect to providing a directional neutron source.

Coincidence circuit Z9 may 'oe set to .provide a coincidence resolving time longer than the neutron slowing down and capture time in formations l2, and this may be of the order of several hundred microseconds. Of course, time delay device Z may be arranged so that itis continuously adjustable so that it may be adjusted empirically to achieve a desired mode of operation.

Since pulses from amplifier 3l are also fed to the integrator and recording unit 34, an additional log is made of essentally all the gamma radiation incident on detector 3d. This, of course,.is representative of neutron irradiation of the formationsY l2 without the directional effects described above. Accordingly, such record provides an indication of hydrogen Acontent of the formations in a known manner.

Pulses from ampliiier 27 are supplied to unit 37 which derives a voltage representing the time rate of occurrence of such pulses. This voltage may be displayed rdirectly on a meter thereby providing a constant visual i'tication in ampliiier- 3l is applied monitor for the alpha particle output of source 219. Thus, indications are provided which are representative of neutron ilux emitted by the source It desired, a recorder may be employed, or the voltage developed may be supplied to the recorder of unit 34 so that a continuous record of the neutron ux may be obtained as housing 16 passes through borehole ll.

Frorn the foregoing discussion, it is evident that the pulse output of the coincidence circuit Z9 is representative of neutrons which pass horizontally into the formation through a minimum of borehole duid i3. Alternatively, the apparatus rnay be arranged as shown in FlG. 3 so that the neutrons in a zone ol` interest pass in a slightly downwardly-directed bearn. Accordingly, an annular array of detectors 26 connected in parallel is disposed about target 2S but is slightly above it so that neutrons which pass along trajectories such as the ones designated FJ are accompanied by alpha particles extending along trajectories f-j to dene a given annular zone about the borehole. This zone delines an annular beam of neutron radiation directed at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the borehole and diverging from the target 25.

ln the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Fit". 4, housing l' is provided with a bowed spring di? for urging a portion or face il of the housing into relatively close association with the sidewall or" borehole ll. Radiant energy detector 39 preferably is disposed in the housing closely adjacent to the inner surface of face 4l' while alpha particle detector 26 is disposed within the envelope substantially at the level of neutron source and to one side thereo;F opposite portion il of the housing lll. In this way, neutrons emanating from source 2t) within the cone deiined by trajectories A-E pass directly into earth formations l2 and are substantially unaffected by the drilling liquid 13. Thus, borehole size edects are minimized.

Although detector 343 has been described as being responsive to incident gamma radiation, it may be arranged in a known manner to respond either to fast or slow neutrons. Moreover, it may be any of a variety of types other than a Geiger-Mueller counter. For example, it may be either a proportional or scintillation counter arranged to respond to the desired radiant energy.

Obviously, pulse amplifier 3l may be followed by a conventional pulse-height discrhninator and/or additional stages of amplification as may be required.

ln accordmce with the present invention, the detector 2.6 illustrated in FIG. l and in greater detail in FIG. 5, may cornprise a solid-state semiconductor operated as a p-n junction with reverse bias. in this detector, a slab of p-type silicon Si? is subject to shallowv didusion of phosphorus from one end thereof to provide a thin layer of n-type silicon 5l to obtain a ditused p-n junction 52 in the depletion region. A reverse bias source 53 in series with a resistor 54 is connected across the terminals seniiconductor detector Z5 (as well as the input terminals of arnplier 27). Because of its srnall size, detector Z6 can be inter ally mounted, singly or in an annular array within screening cage 2da, with the sensitive end 5l toward target inside envelope Z1.

The pulses produced by alpha particles incident upon detector 26 are fed to pulse amplifier 27 and thence to the coincident circuit (shown in FlG. l) and also to an automatic control monitoring circuit including integrator 55 and control circuit 55 which controls the voltage supply 57 to the ion source 22 so that the neutron output may be regulated. It is obvious that the high voltage supply (of circuit 19) could also be controlled by the control circuit 55. ln the embodiment shown, the circuits operate to keep the rate ot' alpha pmticle detection constant, thereby to keep the neutron output also constant.

lt rnay be noted that diffused junction 52 should be in a plane norrnal to the strom of particles to be detected. ribis insures maximum detection of the alpha t5 particles from the target and minimizes any eect from other radiation in the borehole.

The most accurate directional results will be provided at low neutron outputs; hence, it is desirable to keep the neutron output at a level of approximately 106 neutrons or even less. This assures that most of the garnrna rays being etected are those caused by the neutrons emitted in the same reaction as the alpha particles. The neutron monitor is used to assure that the desired neutron output is being obtained.

Referring 4to lili?. 6, there is shown a cylindrical pressureiresistant housing 31 supported by an electrical cable 82 and containing a source d3 of neutrons, a radioactive radiation detector Sli and electronic equipment 85 including a high-voltage power supply. The neutron source 83 comprises an ion source Sd, an ion beam accelerator and a target S8 contained within an envelope S9 and lilled with an ionizable gas at a Very low pressure, preferably deuteriurn mixed with an equal quantity of tritium at a pressure in the order of lf3-3 millimeters of mercury.

The ion source 36 takes the forni of a Philips ionization gauge, the theory of which is fully described in Vacuurn Equipment and Techniques by Guthrie and Wakerling (McGraw-Hill, 1949) on pages 12S-137. The ion source 86 comprises a pair ot disc-shaped cathode electrodes 91 and 92 spaced apart along the axis of a magnetic field formed by a permanent magnet 93 mounted outside the envelope 89. A hollow cylindrical anode electrode 94 is disposed substantially coaxially with the magnetic axis between the two cathode electrodes 9i and 92 and preferably extends substantially the full distance therebetween. The anode electrode S4 is maintained at a moderate positive potential, say 500 volts, with respect to the cathode electrodes @l and 92 by means of a conductor 95 connected with the power supply in the electronic equipment 85. The cathode electrodes 9i and 92 are connected to the power supply by means of conductors 95 and 97, respectively. The electrode 92 is preferably maintained at a sornewhat greater negative po` tential, say l0 volts more, than the potential on the electrode 91 md has an aperture 9S therein through which positive ions may project toward the accelerator S7.

in the operation of the ion source 36 a free electron near the cathode electrode 91 tends to be accelerated toward the 'anode electrode 94 under the action or" the electric field therebetween. However, the axial magnetic eld deilects the electron and causes it to move in a tight helix having an axis parallel to the direction of the magnetic field. Accordingly', the electron does not reach the anode electrode 94 but approaches the opposite cathode electrode 92 where its direction is reversed and its returns toward the first cathode electrode ill where it undergoes a further reversal. This oscillation causes the path of the electron to be many times longer than the interelectrode spacing and affords the electron an opportunity to ionize gas molecules even when the gas pressure is so low that the niain free path of the electron is very lone. The aperture 15 in the cathode electrode 92 permits many of the positively charged ions, which in the case of deuteriurn gas are termed deuterons, to pass out of t` e ion source S6.

The ion beam accelerator S7 in the path of the ion beam emerging from the ion source 86 may talee the forni of one or more cylindrical electrodes 99 and itil maitained at progressively higher negative potentials in the direction or" travel of the beam by conductors 192 and 163, respectively, connected to the power supply in the equipment d5. The electrodes 99 and lill likewise serve to focus the ion beam upon the target 8G. The final electrode of the ion beam accelerator 87 is a cathode electrode 104, which is illustrated as of cup-like shape facing the aperture 9S in the cathode electrode 92. The potential applied to the electrode ldd by a conductor itt-S from the power supply is negative, say in the range from 2O to 10G kilovolts, with respect to the cathode electrode 92.

` ion source 86 and the target SS should not substantially Vexceed the mean free path of the ions in order to avoid excessive retardation of the ion beam. The mean free pathsv are approximately ve feet and six inches at pressures of 10-4 and 10-3 millimeters of rnercur, respectively. The target 8S contains a substance'adapted to react with the impinging ions to produce neutrons and preferably 'contains tritium to react with bombarding deu- Y terons. For example, the target $3 may comprise a tungsten disk coated with zirconium impregnated with tritium or, alternatively, a copperrsurface coated with graphite, such as aquadag,` impacted with tritium from the ion source. n Y

The reaction of the accelerated'deuterons on the tritium yieldsl substantially monoenergetic neutrons having energies of approximately 14 million electrons volts. The reaction resulting irom deuteron particles bombarding a trituim-bearing target is preferable, butV other reactions producing neutrons'may be employed. For example, deuteron particles bombarding a deuterium-bearing target will produce substantially monoenergetic neutrons at approximately 2.5 million electron volts. The neutron linx intensity, however, is lower than in the preferred reaction with the same ion current and accelerating voltage.

f The neutron flux intensity is dependent upon the rnumbers of deuterons in the bombarding beam and may be increased also by increasing the negative potential on the i cathode electrode 134%.

Since the ion Source 86, when energized, uses up the gas molecules in the envelope S9 and unwanted gas 'may leak in, the envelope 89 may occasionally be re-evacuated and refilled with the desired gas at the appropriate pressure. For this purpose a plug 165 is provided in the housing S1 opposite a nipple valve 197 in the envelope S9.' AIn order to prevent depletion of an appreciable proportion of the gas molecules during a single logging run in a borehole, the volume of the gas is preferably as large as possible. The greater the gas volume the more gradual will be the increase in the gas pressure and the resulting retardation of the ion beam'V caused by aleak inthe envelope.

According to the present invention, detector 84 may comprise a circular array of semiconductors d, each like that of FIG. 5 but havingV a neutron reactive coating il@ comprising, for example, boron-10 on the outwardly directed face of the n-type silicon layer S1, so as to render the detector selectively `sensitive to slow neutrons returning from the surrounding formations, and relatively insensitive to fast neutrons from the adjacent source S3.

The neutrons source 83 is quiescent at all times except `when the housing Si is within a borehole opposite earth formations which the operator desires to log. At such time the electronic equipment S5 is energized by an alternating current power source (not shown) outside the borehole. The apparatus may then be employed in accordance with the logging methodsdisclosed by Clark Goodman in copending application Serial No.275,932, entitled Neutron Well Logging, and filed March ll, 1952. A shield 193 is located between the target S3 and the radioactive radiation detector 84. 'hesoit beta emission associated with the decay of tritium isV easily absorbed by the housing 81. v

Whiie particular embodiments of the present invention Vhave been shown and described, it is apparent that changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention in its broader aspects, and therefore the aim in the appended claims is to cover Vall such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and'scope of this invention.

I claim: V n

1. Radioactivity well logging apparatus comprising a pressure resistant housing adapted to be lowered through a Well bore, a radiant energy detector in said housing comprising a junction-type semiconductor elongated in a direction transverse to its junction, means forV supporting said semiconductor with its elongated dimension extending radially of said housing so as to be primarily sensitive to radiant energy directed radially with respect to the well bore, and means coupled with said detector for deriving indications primarily representative of radiant energy incidentupon said semiconductor in said radial direction. Y Y Y 2. Radioactivity Well loggingV apparatus comprising a pressure resistant housing adapted to be lowered through a Well bore, said housing containing a sealed deuteriurntritium neutron source including an ion source and a target coaxially spaced by an accelerating gap, a radiant energy detector in said housing, saidA detector comprising a junction-type semiconductor elongated in a direction transverse to its junction, means for supporting said semiconductor in a position spaced kin a radial direction from the axis of said neutron source with its elongated direction transverse to the axis of said neutron source, and

means coupled with said detector for deriving indications primarily representative of radiant energy incident upon said semiconductor in said radial direction.

References Cited inthe tile of this patent UNTED STATES PATENTS. t

2,670,441 McKay Feb. 23, 1954 2,753,462 Moyer et al.y July 3, 1956 2,760,978 Youmans Aug. 21, 1956 2,885,562 Marinace May 5, 1959 t 2,988,639 Welker et al. June 13, 1961 2,991,366 Salzberg iuiy 4, 1961 2,994,776 Mott Aug'. l, 1961 3,043,955 Friedland et al Euly l0, 1962 OTHER REFERENCES Armstrong: Transistorized Logging Probe, Nucleonics, October 1957; pages 10G-106. l

iones: Uses of Semiconductor Detectors in Health Physics Monitoring, Nuclenoics, October 1969; pages tid-91.Y 

1. RADIOACTIVITY WELL LOGGING APPARATUS COMPRISING A PRESSURE RESISTANT HOUSING ADAPTED TO BE LOWERED THROUGH A WELL BORE, A RADIANT ENERGY DETECTOR IN SAID HOUSING COMPRISING A JUNCTION-TYPE SEMICONDUCTOR ELONGATED IN A DIRECTION TRANSVERSE TO ITS JUNCTION, MEANS FOR SUPPORTING SAID SEMICONDUCTOR WITH ITS ELONGATED DIMENSION EXTENDING RADIALLY OF SAID HOUSING SO AS TO BE PRIMARILY SENSITIVE TO RADIANT ENERGY DIRECTED RADIALLY WITH RESPECT TO THE WELL BORE, AND MEANS COUPLED WITH DETECTOR FOR DERIVING INDICATIONS PRIMARILY REPRESENTATIVE OF RADIANT ENERGY INCIDENT UPON SAID SEMICONDUCTOR IN SAID RADIAL DIRECTION. 